Sir Horace John Wilson, GCB, GCMG, CBE (1882-1972) was a British government official who had a key role in the appeasement-oriented government of Neville Chamberlain just prior to World War II. Somewhat ironically, Wilson had been sent to meet personally with Adolf Hitler in September 1938 in advance of the Munich Conference, and affirm Britain's alliance with France and Czechoslovakia. This position changed in the Chamberlain administration in short order. Wilson subsequently admitted to feeling out of his depth in dealing with Hitler, and has been identified as one of those to blame for the actual appeasement.

Wilson followed Chamberlain's tactic of keeping an eye on his opponents, using Scotland Yard officers to follow people.[2] Nonetheless, a group of politicians, led by Ronald Cartland were able to meet and discuss the less-than-democratic turn the country was taking.[3] Even so, Wilson survived a non-confidence vote in the closing weeks of 1940.[4]

However, as 1940 passed into 1941, Wilson's actions grew noticeably more ruthless. He was also more obsequious to the Nazis.[5] As the year went on, Wilson showed less tolerance of public protests.[6] More government (including KingGeorge VI himself) and military officials grew alarmed, but respect for constitutional principals held them all back from direct action.[7] Finally, in the Spring of 1941, after a few Wilson opponents (including former soldier Alistair Walsh) were arrested and detained without charges,[8]the military acted, arresting Wilson and his Cabinet, and freeing political prisoners.[9]

The new interim government, mindful of its "extra-constitutional" status, did not execute Wilson. He was held in preventive detention, from which he was able to write out endless complaints to friendly newspapers.[10] In the meantime, the U.K. went back to war with Germany.[11]

In 1944, Sir Horace Wilson led a vote of non-confidence against the government of Winston Churchill following the dropping of three Germansuperbombs on Britain in one day, and the failure of the Royal Air Force to respond in kind. Upon the collapse of Churchill's government, Wilson formed a provisional government as Prime Minister and immediately sued for peace with Germany.[12]